LAHORE: The Punjab Government, in its reply in the court regarding local bodies (LB) elections, on Monday stated that there is no precondition for elected public representatives to be honest or free from debt, ARY News reported.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) was hearing a petition regarding implementation of Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution on local government representatives.

The Punjab Government stated in its reply that public representatives should not be ashamed, even if they are involved in any criminal activity, fake degree holder or indebted, and acquire respectful status in the society.

The government also said Article 62 and 63 also do not apply on public representatives, adding this section only applies on parliamentarians. Article 62 is related to ‘Qualifications for membership of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)’ and Article 63 describes ‘Disqualifications for membership of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)’.

However, the petitioner argued that if aforementioned Articles were not implemented then any fake degree holder, tax evader and other such persons would also take part in the elections, which is ultimately add to the miseries of people.

The court sought replies from FIA, NAB, FBR and other respondents on March 17, 2014.